Implementation of Electronic Decision Support for Diabetic Care in a Student-Run Clinic

Background and objectives Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease that can lead to complications. Electronic decision support in the electronic medical record (EMR) aids management. There is no study demonstrating the effectiveness of electronic decision support in assisting medical student providers in student-run free clinics. Methods There were 71 T2DM patients seen by medical students. Twenty-three encounters used a Diabetes Progress Note (DPN) that was created from consensus, opinion-based guidelines. Each note received a total composite score based on an eight-point scale for adherence to guidelines. Statistical comparisons between mean composite scores were performed using independent t-tests. Results The mean total composite score of DPN users was significantly greater than DPN non-users (5.35 vs. 4.23, p = 0.008), with a significant difference in the physical exam component (1.70 vs. 1.31, p = 0.002). Conclusions In this exploratory study, medical student providers at an attending-supervised, student-run free clinic that used electronic decision support during T2DM patient visits improved adherence to screening for diabetic complications and standard of care.